Asghar Khan gets the lowdown on what happens on the streets of Leeds once the sun sets
Leeds City Councillor, Asghar Khan (Labour, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill) recently joined police officers on a patrol of the city centre during a Saturday night patrol.
Cllr Khan accompanied officers from West Yorkshire Police and an Enforcement Officer from Entertainment Licensing on one of the busiest nights with up to 120,000 people enjoying a night out.
He was aiming to get a better understanding of the various issues which officers face in areas of the city centre such as Lower Briggate, in the Call Lane area, and New Merrion Street.
Illegal ranking and plying for hire by private vehicles on Boar Lane and double ranking in the busiest parts of town such as Duncan Street were some of the issues which were observed.
The work of Street and Taxi Marshalls and the immediate assistance provided by the NHS Static Ambulance Service were also seen throughout the night.
Cllr Khan praised the hard work of officers and volunteers for enforcing rules and controls in areas of the city ensuring people can safely enjoy their night out in the city centre.
He said: “I would like to thank officers from West Yorkshire Police and enforcement officers for accompanying me on this patrol.
“I would also like to recognise the hard work of volunteers and officers who regularly ensure all visitors can enjoy their time in the city centre safely every night.”
Last year police worked in conjunction with pubs in the run up to Christmas to breath-test drinkers at the door.
Although it was voluntary for drinkers, in the three weekends before Christmas it was found that more than a quarter of those willing to take the test were found to be too drunk to enter.
The experiment had been welcomed by managers of the licensed premises, who said it provided justification for turning drinkers away.
